Perseverance and the Power of Action
Teachings from National Master Xianshou
The Fifty-sixth Interview
The Vow That Guides the Soul
Perseverance and the ability to put one's intentions into action are the essential requirements for the success of all vows. In this world, people often find opportunities to make vows—perhaps on their birthdays, or when a new year begins. However, for a practitioner, it is even more vital to have a vow leading the way. Only by moving forward, step by step, can one truly reach the destination.
If the internal and external conditions are in harmony, completing one's journey is a cause for great . Yet, if obstacles and hindrances arise, one must rely on the strength of one's own attainment (in practice) to overcome these challenges. At such moments, the guidance of a true spiritual friend becomes profoundly important. To have a vow is not enough; one must have the strength to act upon it. Only then can we truly speak of the power of a vow.
The Unwavering Path of Attainment
The most important aspect of making a vow is the ability to realise it. The process of fulfilling a wish requires both perseverance and practical action. These two qualities are the vital keys to whether your aspirations will succeed. No matter what problems you encounter, you must believe in yourself and trust in the support and of the Buddha or . You must press forward with courage.
Perseverance may be innate, a quality carried over from your past the "self," personal ego, and selfishness, allowing you to persist in what you do until the goal is reached, never speaking of giving up. Conversely, your habits might lean toward abandoning tasks that are difficult to complete. Regardless of your starting point, do not overthink. Act without a wandering heart or scattered thoughts. Simply proceed directly forward. If you set aside concerns about success, failure, gain, or loss, you will find the opportunity for success.
The Mirage of Fleeting Desires
Consider this: if a delicious meal is placed before you, but you have important work to do, you must be able to resist the temptation of that food. If you satisfy your cravings and eat first, you are preparing to taste the bitter fruit of failure. The momentary pleasure and satisfaction will bring about regrets, voids, and suffering that are difficult to mend. It is simply not worth it. Similarly, if you know the goodness of becoming an awakened being, yet you allow yourself to be obscured by illusions and fail to realise your true nature, that too is not worth it.
Throughout history, the essential quality of those who have succeeded is the ability to persist until the end. When you wear these monastic robes, you are already representing the dignity, purity, and equality of the Buddha. If you find yourself lacking, you should reflect and improve, so that you do not dishonour your identity as a child of Shakyamuni Buddha.
The Clarity of the Eternal Now
The ability to act is a measure of how much you value a task. Whether a goal can be achieved depends entirely on your willingness to act; if you are willing, there is always a chance for success. If you lack the will and the motivation to act, you have no vow-power at all, let alone the perseverance or the ability to execute it. Naturally, the chance of success becomes infinitely remote.
Many people fail precisely because their perseverance is insufficient. They are unable to continue acting according to their initial vow, leading them to give up halfway. In the context of practice, this is a significant shortcoming. During the process of action, sincerity and respect are of the utmost importance. Often, the key to achievement lies in a single word, a single action, or a single glance. Therefore, you must live in the present and grasp every moment.
Walking Toward the of Ultimate Bliss
Students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, your goal is the Western Land. This is a bright and magnificent path. Walk it directly, be grounded, and move forward step by step. There is no such thing as reaching the heavens in a single leap; there is only the question of whether your attainment (in practice) is effective. What ability do you possess to save yourself and other beings from being reincarnated, so that you may all be reborn in the Western Pure Land?
This is a matter of great importance. Be vigilant and cautious in every minute and second. Do not let your mind wander; do not dwell on the past or the future. Simply live in the present. There will eventually come a moment when you are in sync with the ability to see through and let go. That is the moment of . Never depart from , keep the Buddha-name with you always, and diligently practise the Forty-eight Vows. Only by experiencing these vows can you develop the true attainment (in practice) needed to save beings.
With perseverance, persist until the end and do not give up. With the ability to act, be grounded and do not slacken. There will always come a time when the clouds part to reveal the sun, and the light of your heart suddenly shines forth. This interview was recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.
Namo Amituofo
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library